Characterization of IdLNF1-specific T cell clones from the (NZB x SWR)F1 murine model for systemic lupus erythematosus.

A family of nephritogenic antibodies bearing an idiotype, IdLNF1, has been shown to be important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune glomerulonephritis in the (NZB x SWR)F1 hybrid, SNF1. Previously, we have reported that a significant shift in the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ IdLNF1-specific T lymphocytes, in favor of CD4+ IdLNF1-specific T cells, occurred at 20 to 24 weeks of age in the SNF1 and correlated with an increase in serum IdLNF1+ IgG and deposition of IdLNF1 Ig in the kidney glomeruli. Six IdLNF1-specific CD3+CD4+CD8- T cells clones have been derived from 22-week-old SNF1 mice. All six proliferated in response to Con A and anti-CD3. Three of the clones reacted with monoclonal antibody for V beta 8.1,8.2: B3, B5, and TA5 and proliferated specifically in response to IdLNF1 Ig in an Ia-restricted manner. The other three clones, A1, B6, and D2, reacted with anti-V beta 17a+ monoclonal antibody and appeared to be not Ia-restricted. T cell clones B6, D2, and TA5 promoted the production of very high levels of IdLNF1+ IgG by SNF1 B cells in vitro, while B3 and B5 induced the production of only low levels. Interestingly, clone A1 did not induce any IdLNF1+ Ig production. Furthermore, these T cell clones did not induce the production of anti-DNA antibody by SNF1 B cells.